下北沢

Shimokitazawa

About Shimokitazawa

Shimokita, as it’s known to locals, is neighbourhood known for it’s independent, hipster, earthy youth culture, and has a distinctly laid back bohemian vibe. The home to a vast array of second hand stores, vintage clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Highlights around Shimokitazawa

Gotokuji Temple

in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

A buddhist temple hought to be the birthplace of the “maneki neko”, or beckoning cat statues that welcome visitors. Hundreds of the statues can be found scattered around the temple, all offerings left by visitors. The beautiful pagoda - and whimsical origin story - are more reminiscent of Kyoto than Tokyo.

Komaba Park and Maeda Residence

in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Built in 1929, this park occupies the former estate of the Marquis Toshinari Maeda. The elegant grounds hold both a Tudor-style and Japanese-style house, including traditional Japanese garden.

Shimokitazawa

in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Shimokita, as it’s known to locals, is neighbourhood known for it’s independent, hipster, earthy youth culture, and offers a plethora of second hand stores, vintage clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants. Surrounding the Shimokitazawa Station, it is a laid back area full of shops with a distinctly bohemian vibe.

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum

in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Founded in 1936, the museum houses over 17,000 “Mingei” works - folk crafts or common crafts; works made by common, unknown craftspeople rather than famous artisans. The building itself was designed to replicate a common farm house, and the vast majority of the works are deliberately unidentified, just provided for the viewer to appreciate the workmanship.

Shimokitazawa

Overview

About Shimokitazawa

Highlights around Shimokitazawa

Gotokuji Temple

Komaba Park and Maeda Residence

Shimokitazawa

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum